Tales of Pawan Kor

Chains of a Dark Goddess

Betrayed by friends and abandoned by his goddess …

Back from the dead and hellbent on saving his beloved.

In life, Knight Champion Breskaro Varenni zealously served the bright goddess Seshalla. He was a hero and a legend, the greatest knight of the age. But his most trusted friends betrayed him to the swords of infidels, and his goddess abandoned him, denying him Paradise.

In death Breskaro refused to fade into Oblivion, like lesser lost souls.

Instead he wandered the Shadowland for seven years until the dark goddess Harmulkot offered him the one thing only she could give, the one thing that still mattered to him…

A chance to save his precious Orisala from a fate worse than his own.

Returned as a wreck of embalmed flesh animated by sorcery, with a host of the desperate and the undead under his command, Breskaro will do whatever it takes to save Orisala, no matter the odds and no matter the consequences.

David Alastair Hayden returns to the exotic land of Pawan Kor, first seen in Wrath of the White Tigress, with this seductive epic of swords and sorcery in the tradition of Brent Weeks, Robin Hobb, Michael Moorcock, and David Gemmell.

Reader Advisory: This book may not suitable for readers of young adult fiction.

Welcome to Story Weekly’s newest column, The Haydenverse Beat, where we interview the producers, directors, writers, and actors of your favorite novels. (Though it is not commonly known, books have writers, directors, producers, actors, set designers, and gaffers just like movies and television shows. True story. I promise.)

By the time you read this, Storm Phase Book 2: Lair of the Deadly Twelve will be out as an ebook in the following stores: Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.

This is Part 2 of my interview with Louis Bay of Haydenverse Studios, who produced the top books Wrath of the White Tigress, The Storm Dragon’s Heart, and Lair of the Deadly Twelve. I asked him about the making of those, the upcoming Chains of a Dark Goddess, and the lost work titled The Shadowed Manse. He was tremendously forthcoming, and we’ve got nothing else to run, so the interview will be appearing in multiple parts over the next several weeks.

Jackson Jones: Before we talk about Deadly Twelve, let’s talk more about the making of Storm Dragon. I understand that some of Storm Dragon was shot on stage with green screen, some in Thailand, and some in Japan. Is this true?

Louis Bay (shifting uncomfortably): Well … not … not really. We did green screen quite a bit, like you do these days. But we did the outdoor shots in New Zealand, because it’s fantasy and that’s what you do, right? I mean, New Zealand is what I would agree to pay for and it looks like a fantasy land … apparently. Alastair Hayden (Haydenverse Studios Director) was against it, on account of New Zealand not looking like Japan, China, or Thailand. David Hayden (Haydenverse Studios Writer) couldn’t be bothered to care because he was off plotting the next story. You can always count on him to be too busy on the next project to put up much of a fight.

It certainly doesn’t look like New Zealand in the final product!

Yeah, well, that’s because we presented it to a focus group. They said they were getting an ancient Japan and China vibe from the story and characters, like they should, but the setting was clearly New Zealandy which means Europeany somehow or Middle Earthy and … Well, it just wouldn’t do. So Alastair got his way and the budget took a hit.

So you went back and shot it again on location?!

Gods no. Not enough budget. We took shots of Japan and Thailand and we superimposed those images on top of the New Zealand backgrounds with some computer wizardry hullabaloo. You’d have to interview the guys in IT to understand it.

Don’t you mean the folks in Special Effects?

IT … Effects … What’s the difference? Nerds on computers, right?

I don’t think it’s okay to say that.

I’m a producer. I get paid to be insensitive.

I don’t think that’s how it works.

Well, it must. I’ve still got a job.

I have to say, superimposing the effects worked. I certainly didn’t notice.

Of course not. It’s a book, see? It’s easy enough to make that sort of thing work using words.

Okay … Let’s talk actors. Casting specifically. Jimmy James as Lu Bei was a given to play the bat-winged fetch.

No one else could’ve pulled off that role. Believe me, if there was someone else, he’d be on the set right now.

Charity Chaste as Enashoma, I think you would say the same about her.

Well, she wasn’t what I thought she’d be when we signed her on. I could get someone else to play her well enough, if not perfectly. But she’s got a fine contract. A fine contract. I can’t break it.

Max Morris as Turesobei seems a stroke of genius. I believe he just did few indie spots before this, right?

A slasher flick and commercials. Dishwashing detergent and cough medicine or some such. Max is a good kid. Everyone likes working with him. He gets along, you know? Even with me and Charity. Jimmy says he hates Max but I don’t believe him. When David, Alastair, and I sat down with Casting Director Kate Kilwillie and went over the tapes, Max really jumped out at us. We thought he’d be able to carry the whole range and would grow with the character. And he looks the part. That’s always a plus.

Awasa played by Belle Bellview …

Belle’s a peach, a real peach. She might even be from Georgia. Sweet girl. Beautiful and has that pouty, haughty look we needed for Awasa. And Belle … She can really act. Outside Jimmy, I think she’s got the most talent on the set, despite her youth. Not a lot for her to work with in The Storm Dragon’s Heart. The character’s effect on Turesobei is huge in the story but there’s not a lot of page time for Belle. But she plays a very big and difficult part in Lair of the Deadly Twelve. She really had the toughest part and she nailed it. I think what she showed in Storm Dragon gave David the confidence to write such a big role for her in Deadly Twelve. It’s amazing to see such a sweet girl like her on the set suddenly turn into Awasa. Reminds me why I got in this biz. That and my paycheck.

You really needed a diverse cast for these books, didn’t you? A mix of older actors and younger actors. Graham Gannon as Grandfather Kahenan. Freddy Forest as Onudaka. And others. A surprisingly large cast for a young adult action story.

It was a nightmare to cast. And Lair of the Deadly Twelve was even worse. Obviously a lot of actors returning, but we had many new roles to fill … Zaiporo, Hakamoro, Aikonshi. You’re going to love River Rose who plays Aikonshi. Just chilling. And Bradley Bailey as Barakaros the Warlock. He scared the crap out of me every day on the set. We had to do a lot of CGI creatures, and you won’t believe who did most of the voicing and motion capture for them. Take a guess.

Jimmy James?

He did do the growls a few monsters. But Emma East who plays Lady Wenari did the voices for the creatures.

Doesn’t sound like her at all!

She’s a regular Mark Hammill, that one. And Jack Jeffers who plays Zaiporo did all the motion capture work for the monsters like the yomon. Brilliant physical actor.

There has been criticism that you’ve cast a lot of white American actors for a story where Asian actors would obviously be more appropriate. How would you respond to that?

As you know, we did use only Asian actors. But the actors have whitewashed their names because big publishing generally thinks only books with white people sell. So they want to be cast in bestsellers, obviously. It’s big money. So there you go. Asian actors with stage names. It’s appalling, but you gotta do what you gotta do. I hope we get some of these folks famous enough to go back to their given names. Except Jimmy. Jimmy is Jimmy and it wouldn’t be right calling him his real name.

What is Jimmy’s real name?

I don’t know. Can’t say it. Can’t spell it. Not sure if it’s okay to do so. We really do need to change this perception though. I don’t care much about much except making stories and money, but I do think it’s okay to be whatever you are. You know?

I do know, Louis. I do know. So Deadly Twelve was a big production and it’s a bit different, right?

Well, it’s darker. More mature. Lots of emotions. Kids growing up, you know? It gets messy. And Turesobei’s got a lot to deal with. He thinks things will get easier being the big hero, but it only makes things worse for him. That said, it still has that freewheeling, old-school adventure feel that keeps you right on the edge of your seat.

Tune into Part 3 of my interview with Haydenverse Producer Louis Bay in next week’s column to learn more about Lair of the Deadly Twelve

Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Kobo

STORM PHASE

A teenage wizard burdened with a mysterious destiny, a cat-girl ninja he can’t help but fall for, and a bat-winged daemon that doubles as a diary embark on a journey of self-discovery in a world teeming with monsters and magic. Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and Avatar: the Last Airbender, this enchanting Asian-inspired fantasy series delivers fast-paced adventure for readers young and old.

Book 2: LAIR OF THE DEADLY TWELVE

If Turesobei thought becoming a hero would solve his problems, he was wrong, dead wrong.

When the young wizard joined his father on a quest for the Storm Dragon’s Heart all he wanted was a bit of adventure and freedom from the pressures of being heir to the High Wizard.

Now with war looming his clan sees him as a storm-powered super weapon, and expectations are higher than ever. But every time Turesobei uses his new powers, they threaten to overwhelm him. And the mysterious destiny hinted at by his bat-winged fetch draws closer every day.

Then he receives a bloodstained note from Iniru, the ninja cat-girl he couldn’t help but fall in love with, and life gets really complicated.

Turesobei must choose, love or duty. The wrong choice may doom the world. But saving everything he cares for might mean losing himself.

Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Kobo

Print copies will be available in a month or so. iBooks hopefully in January.

Welcome to Story Weekly’s newest column, The Haydenverse Beat, where we interview the producers, directors, writers, and actors of your favorite novels. (Though it is not commonly known, books have writers, directors, producers, actors, set designers, and gaffers just like movies and television shows. True story. I promise.)

On our inaugural week, everyone at Haydenverse Studios turned me down except Louis Bay, producer of top books Wrath of the White Tigress and The Storm Dragon’s Heart.

I asked him about the making of those, the upcoming Chains of a Dark Goddess, the next installment in the Storm Phase saga, Lair of the Deadly Twelve, and the lost work The Shadowed Manse. I also asked him about what it’s like to work with the Hayden brothers, writer David and director Alastair.

He was tremendously forthcoming, and we’ve got nothing else to run, so the interview will be appearing in multiple parts over the next several weeks.

I caught up to Louis on the set of Lair of the Deadly Twelve, after a long day of shooting. Dressed in a green leisure suit and a matching bowler hat, he is most often seen stalking about the set, tugging at his lengthy beard while trying to keep everyone on schedule. He graciously took time to meet with me, though I could tell he wasn’t in the mood for it. Just before we sat down, he’d had a long row with two of the actors: Jimmy James and Charity Chaste.

Jimmy James portrays reader favorite Lu Bei, the bat-winged fetch who’s also a diary. Charity Chaste plays Enashoma, the sweet younger sister of the main character, Turesobei, who is played by Max Morris.

Jackson Jones: Louis, thanks for agreeing to an interview for a new column. I appreciate it.

Louis Bay: Someone’s gotta do promotion. Apparently the same someone who keeps this carnival of insanity on the road. But you know, whatever.

I have to ask. What was that argument about?

Oh, you know. Actors. Just as big a pain as writers and directors.

I take it not everything’s rosy on set?

Nothing’s rosy when you’re dealing with Jimmy.

Care to elaborate?

Jimmy, you know he’s always so … I mean, he’s a special actor but … No, I don’t care to elaborate. Interview him yourself. You’ll see.

What about Charity Chaste?

She’s anything but.

What?

Nothing. It’s just her constant … lapses … in … professionalism. Actors. I don’t think she likes playing the sweet little sister. But she’s 20 and looks 14. Baby face. What sort of roles does she expect?

She’s got a much bigger role in Lair and it requires her to spend a lot of time working with Jimmy. And you know, that short special they did together … The product turned out great, but it was a disaster on the set. The problems have just bled over to the new production.

Short special? What special?

!#^%&*! Someone’s supposed to be doing promotions.

(A random gaffer passing says, “You fired him, Louis.”)

Oh, right. It’s hard to find good help. You need a job, Jackson?

I’ve got this one, Louis.

Okay, when this !#^%&*! you’re doing fails, call me. I need a new promotions guy.

Um … okay … sure. About that special?

It’s a short story featuring Charity and Jimmy. Lu Bei’s Big Tea Adventure. That’s when the problems started with Charity. She wanted it to be Lu Bei and Enashoma’s Big Tea Adventure. No way I was caving in. I’d already lost a fight with the Haydens over the title. I wanted something short, punchy. I wasn’t going to let it get longer. And her … antics … were wearing me thin anyhow. I’d have fired her then, but she’s got a contract for four novels and two shorts. I can’t fix that mistake now.

When can we expect to see Lu Bei’s Big Tea Adventure?

Any day now. We were going to tack it onto all new and updated ebook copies of The Storm Dragon’s Heart. But we realized some people have the print versions or may not update their ebooks, so we’re going to do it as a free promotional to anyone who signs up for the newsletter.

That sounds awesome. Should we expect more of these?

Possibly. Depends on whether we release all of Lair onto Wattpad. David and Alastair are discussing plans to make a series of novellas based on two new characters who appear in Lair of the Deadly Twelve, but don’t ask me about it. Top secret. My lips are sealed. But you’ll know which two when you read it. If you’re interested in seeing more of them, contact Haydenverse Studios.

When can we expect to read Lair of the Deadly Twelve?

No earlier than November 10 and no later than November 19. The Storm Dragon’s Heart will become a featured book on Wattpad on the 19th. As you know, we’ve had a lot of success there already. We’re hoping the additional buzz will move copies of Lair.

Tune into Part 2 of my interview with Haydenverse Producer Louis Bay in next week’s column to learn more about Lair of the Deadly Twelve.

You’ll get monthly updates and a notification whenever I have a new book out!

When it becomes available, subscribers will also receive a free Storm Phase short story: Lu Bei’s Big Adventure.

Millennia have passed since the witch-king Khuar-na last threatened the world of men. Now returned, he and his fiery behemoth have scorched the fertile fields of the West to desert waste. Only the Kings of the East can stand against him, and only if Bregissa the Skald can successfully lead them with her secret, stolen power.

Magic, flames, and vengeance do battle against undying love and the promise of a goddess in this sword & sorcery short story of epic proportions.

Purchase on Amazon

Gadda Bisby’s Grail

Legend says that the Grail only reveals itself to those who are worthy. But what makes someone worthy?

A tale of pain and redemption in the Deep South.

Purchase on Amazon

Perfect Clone

It’s never easy to see your ex-husband again, especially when there’s more than one of him.

With Sadie’s research Steven did the impossible and shocked the world, but what really mattered was if she still loved him.

Purchase on Amazon

]]> http://dahayden.com/2012/05/short-stories/feed/ 0 http://dahayden.com/2012/05/chains-of-a-dark-goddess/ http://dahayden.com/2012/05/chains-of-a-dark-goddess/#comments Fri, 01 Jun 2012 03:28:32 +0000 DA Hayden http://dahayden.com/?p=959 Coming Soon!

Book 1: Storm Dragon’s Heart

Turesobei dreamed of adventure, a way to prove he was no longer a child.

Wizards should be careful what they wish for.

Destined to become his clan’s next high wizard, studious Turesobei has constantly struggled to live up to other people’s demands and expectations, but now he’s had enough. When his treasure-hunting father arrives with important news to discuss with the current high wizard, Turesobei spies on their secret meeting and accidentally foils an assassination attempt.

As a reward his father invites him on an expedition to find an artifact known as the Storm Dragon’s Heart. But when disaster strikes, their quest becomes a race for survival.

Aided by a sassy ninja cat-girl and a mysterious diary that transforms into a winged familiar, Turesobei must face deadly cultists, vengeful spirits, and a mad wizard from a rival clan who’s determined to use the artifact to destroy Turesobei’s homeland. The Storm Dragon’s Heart will delight readers with a thrilling tale of exotic lands, mystical creatures, forbidden love, and fast-paced adventure.

(Ages 10 and up)

Book 2: Lair of the Deadly Twelve

If Turesobei thought becoming a hero would solve his problems, he was wrong, dead wrong.

When the young wizard joined his father on a quest for the Storm Dragon’s Heart all he wanted was a bit of adventure and freedom from the pressures of being heir to the High Wizard.
Now with war looming his clan sees him as a storm-powered super weapon, and expectations are higher than ever. But every time Turesobei uses his new powers, they threaten to overwhelm him. And the mysterious destiny hinted at by his bat-winged fetch draws closer every day.

Then he receives a bloodstained note from Iniru, the ninja cat-girl he couldn’t help but fall in love with, and life gets really complicated.

Turesobei must choose, love or duty. The wrong choice may doom the world. But saving everything he cares for might mean losing himself.

For twenty years Jaska Bavadi has faith­fully served the Palymfar Order and its Grandmaster, the powerful wizard Salahn, but an encounter with Zyrella Anthari, last high priestess of the White Tigress, shatters the spell that chained Jaska’s mind.

Now faced with the horrors he unknowingly committed against people he swore to protect, Jaska must put Salahn’s reign of cruelty to an end. Together, he and Zyrella race to save the White Tigress and stop Salahn from opening the Gates of the Underworld. An army of palymfar warriors stands in their way, but the dangerous secrets that cloud their destinies threaten to doom them first.

In the tradition of ­­Michael Moor­cock, David Gem­mell, and Glen Cook, Wrath of the White Tigress delivers a thrilling tale sword & sorcery fans will love.

Available in print and ebook versions.

\[Wrath of the White Tigress\]\[1\], featuring Jaska the Slayer, originated from a short story I wrote back in college. The story featured a character inspired by a class of assassins from a fantasy RPG that I cowrote. A few years later, I recalled the short story and decided to revise it. Questions about that world and the character immediately popped into my head. Many things changed. The entire setting for one. I thought about how assassins are detestable people. My chief concern: What led Jaska Bavadi to become a killer? I thought of a number of motivations, most of them done many times before. Then it occurred to me: What if he’d never intended to become an assassin? What if the very person he most loved and trusted in the world had him under mind control? What would happen when the chains that bound him broke and he learned the truth, that he was not a champion of the people but the top killer in a ruthless regime? Thus was born the Jaska Bavadi you see in Wrath of the White Tigress. An assassin who never meant to be anything but a warrior protecting the innocent. As if Bruce Wayne were actually the Joker but thought he was Batman because of the mind control of Alfred who is secretly Ra’s al Ghul.

He thought he was a hero. She showed him the truth. Now he’ll do anything to stop the man who made him a monster. Speaking of the chains that bind … After I completed Wrath of the White Tigress I decided, again, to polish up that short story. I changed the character’s name and switched it to the Pawan Kor setting. The original story protagonist, in case you can’t tell, lacked sufficient motivation for slaying. I started to motivate him again. Wouldn’t you know it, the story grew and another novel was born: Chains of the Dark Goddess, which will be out in June. It’s the spiritual sequel to Wrath of the White Tigress and features another appearance by the mysterious Nalsyrra. The protagonist in Chains is not an assassin, however, but a vengeful killer out to punish those who wronged him, an anti-hero willing to destroy the world to save the one he loves most. You’ll never get to read that short story, but if I ever run out of novel ideas (not likely), I’ll have that little nugget of story gold there just in case.